Anesthesiologist Pay

Entry-Level Anesthesiologist Salary in Norfolk, NE: $202,200 (2026)

Quick Answer:New anesthesiologists entering the Norfolk, NE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $202,200 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1211, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Norfolk's local price level (BEA RPP 91.58% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $220,984 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($348,621) within a few years of clinical practice.

$202,200
Starting Salary
$97.22/hr
Starting Hourly
$202,200
Entry Level
$348,621
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Anesthesiologist Entry Level Salary in Norfolk, NE — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Norfolk, NE anesthesiologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Entering the field as a new grad anesthesiologist in Norfolk, Nebraska, offers a starting salary of approximately $202,200 in 2026. This figure reflects the lower end of the wage spectrum, especially when compared to the city median of $348,621, indicating a significant gap that new professionals may experience as they begin their careers. However, there is room for growth as entry-level anesthesiologists can aspire to increased salaries, with potential earnings of $251,007 at the 25th percentile and the possibility to reach the city’s median within three to five years. Considering these projections, Norfolk is positioning itself as a favorable market for recent graduates, especially with a growth rate anticipated at 4.50% annually.

About the Norfolk Market

Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Norfolk

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$202,200/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$251,007/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$348,621/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$426,672/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for anesthesiologists in Norfolk. The median salary is $348,621, compared to the national median of $409,107.$182.0K$259.6K$337.2K$414.9K$492.5K$202.2K10th Pctl$251.0K25th Pctl$348.6KMedian$426.7K75th Pctl$469.1K90th PctlUS Median$409.1K

Entry-level anesthesiologists in Norfolk, NE typically start between $202,200 and $251,007 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $266,857 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $348,62114.78% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of anesthesiologist pay in the Norfolk metro area.

Return on Investment

$240,000
Avg NE Program Cost
$202,200
Starting Salary
118.69%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
1.2 yr
Payback Estimate

The average anesthesiology program cost in Nebraska of $240,000 represents just 118.69% of the starting anesthesiologist pay ($202,200/year) in Norfolk. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.

Program cost estimates based on AAMC tuition reports for LCME-accredited MD programs and COCA-accredited DO programs, plus ACGME-accredited anesthesiology residency data. Totals include 4 years of medical school tuition, fees, and living expenses; residency is salaried but adds opportunity cost. Actual debt varies widely by public vs. private institution and state residency status.

ANES Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Norfolk

  • 1Research the Norfolk market: entry-level anesthesiologist pay ranges from $202,200 to $251,007, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
  • 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the anesthesiology field — employers in NE often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Norfolk, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
  • 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Norfolk for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Norfolk's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.

Anesthesiologist Compensation Range

The anesthesiologist wage spread in Norfolk is $266,857 ( 131.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $202,200, experienced hygienists can earn up to $469,057.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$236,631

2025 BLS Actual

$193,493

2026 Current Est.

$202,200

2019–2027 Growth

+-10.7%

Salary Trajectory for Anesthesiologists in Norfolk (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for anesthesiologists in Norfolk. Baseline $236,631 in 2025, projected to $211,299 by 2027.$119.4K$160.3K$201.2K$242.2K$283.1K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$236.6K$259.7K$224.3K$142.8K$162.0K$175.5K$193.5K$202.2K$211.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$236,631Actual
2020$259,707Actual
2021$224,254Actual
2022$142,764Actual
2023$161,988Actual
2024$175,458Actual
2025$193,493Actual
2026(current)$202,200Estimated
2027$211,299Projected

Entry-level anesthesiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Norfolk, NE grew -18.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $236,631 in 2019 to $193,493 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $211,299. New graduates entering the Norfolk job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.

Starting Your anesthesiology Career in Norfolk

In Norfolk, several healthcare institutions hire new graduate anesthesiologists, each offering unique opportunities. Academic medical centers provide diverse case experiences, including cardiac and pediatric anesthesiology, benefiting younger professionals looking for comprehensive training. Meanwhile, larger group practices often recruit residents directly as they finish their training, featuring a partnership track that typically develops over two to three years. For new grads seeking a more balanced lifestyle, outpatient surgery centers may be an attractive option, offering positions with straightforward hours and no call responsibilities. Credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completion of an anesthesiology residency, and ABA board certification with MOCA are critical, with optional fellowship training available to enhance competitiveness. With the sharp divergence in compensation models, understanding the differences between W-2 hospital employment and private group partnerships is essential for negotiating starting offers. Realistically, first-year salaries may not escalate dramatically, yet, new anesthesiologists can expect incremental raises based on performance, possibly aligning with or exceeding the city’s median within a few years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for anesthesiologists in Norfolk in 2026?

Entry-level anesthesiologists in Norfolk start at approximately $202,200/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.50% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $97.21/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do anesthesiologist salaries grow in Norfolk?

Most anesthesiologists in Norfolk progress from the entry-level salary of $202,200 to the area median of $348,621 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $469,057 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is anesthesiology school worth it in Norfolk?

With a starting salary of $202,200/year in Norfolk and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new anesthesiologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new anesthesiologists make right out of school in Norfolk?

New anesthesiology graduates in Norfolk typically start near the 10th percentile at $202,200/year, or approximately $97.21/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a anesthesiologist in Nebraska?

To become a licensed anesthesiologist in Nebraska, you typically need doctor of medicine (md) or doctor of osteopathy (do) degree and completion of a residency in anesthesiology., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Nebraska, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some anesthesiologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Nebraska

MC

Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD

Career Analyst

Dr. Chen has over 10 years of experience in anesthesiology. She specializes in perioperative care at a major metropolitan hospital.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Raj Patel, MDData verified by Dr. Amina Khan, MD

Methodology & Data Source

Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new anesthesiology graduates. A 4.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Norfolk. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Norfolk is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for anesthesiologists (SOC 29-1211).

Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov

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